Maynard Police Investigating Series of Anti-Police Graffiti Messages Found in Town

MAYNARD — Chief Mark W. Dubois reports that the Maynard Police Department is investigating a series of threatening graffiti images found throughout town overnight.

Sometime between 11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17 and 6 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, three anti-police messages were spray painted in town.

One, located at CVS on Main Street, read “Down to Die.” Another, left behind The Paper Store on Nason Street, said “Kill Pigs,” and the third, “Kill Cops Now,” was left at the Mill and Main complex on Main Street.

“These are extremely disturbing messages that we are taking very seriously,” Chief Dubois said. “This is no simple prank. It’s a threat not only to this department, but to the community as a whole. We will investigate and hold the person or persons involved responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Maynard Detective Daniel Bodwell at 978-897-1011 ext. 1029.

Maynard Police Host Successful Youth Police Academy

MAYNARD — Chief Mark Dubois is pleased to announce that the Maynard Police Department hosted a successful first Youth Police Academy last week.

The academy took place on July 18-22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Twenty-two participants, who were referred to as cadets, attended the program. Each were provided with a uniform, including a hat, shirt and a water bottle, as the program included physical training each day.

Throughout the week, cadets learned about firearm safety, court procedures, criminal and constitutional law, 911 procedures and engaged in a discussion on town bylaws. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office also provided a K-9 demonstration for cadets.

Additionally, the Middlesex Partnerships for Youth gave a presentation on cyber safety, and Maynard Police Sgt. William Duggan taught cadets about the NEMLEC SWAT Team, where participants got a close look at the equipment and enjoyed a ride in the NEMLEC Bearcat armored vehicle.

On Thursday, July 21, the Maynard Youth Police Academy took students to a paintball course, where they learned about patrol procedures and SWAT tactics.

“I’m very pleased with the success of our first ever youth police academy,” Chief Dubois said. “Not only were we able to teach our cadets about safety procedures in many aspects of the field, but we were also able to have fun in the process. I look forward to running the academy again in the future.”

MAYNARD — The Maynard Police Department is pleased to announce that Chief Mark Dubois attended a 21st Century Policing Briefing in Washington, D.C., where President Barack Obama made a guest appearance, to talk about the future of policing.

The White House hosted the fourth in a series of meetings since June for law enforcement officials focused on implementing the recommendations set forth by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing on July 18.

“My hope is that it’s been useful in giving you some tools and best practices to give you a sense of how departments on the cutting-edge are using data to train officers and engage with the community,” President Obama said at the event. “We also are hopefully hearing from you about what you’ve learned in your experience works and doesn’t work, and where the federal government can partner with your departments and state and local law enforcement officers across the country to do even better.”

More than 150 law enforcement officials were in attendance at the event last week. Chief Dubois traveled to D.C. with Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin and Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn.

The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing was established in 2014 to identify best practices that would promote effective crime reduction while building public trust. Findings were released in a final report in May 2015.

“This was an extremely worthwhile trip that allowed police and leaders of this nation to discuss best practices for law enforcement moving forward to ensure the communities we serve are always protected,” Chief Dubois said. “I was honored and excited to be a part of this dialog.”

]]>http://maynardpolice.com/2016/07/26/maynard-police-chief-attends-21st-century-policing-event-washington-d-c/feed/502256Maynard Police Offer Graduation Safety Tipshttp://maynardpolice.com/2016/05/19/maynard-police-offer-graduation-safety-tips/
http://maynardpolice.com/2016/05/19/maynard-police-offer-graduation-safety-tips/#commentsThu, 19 May 2016 19:23:14 +0000http://maynardpolice.com/?p=2104MAYNARD -- With graduation less than a month away, Chief Mark Dubois and the Maynard Police Department would like to remind students and parents to celebrate responsibly.

Maynard Police Offer Graduation Safety Tips

MAYNARD — With graduation less than a month away, Chief Mark Dubois and the Maynard Police Department would like to remind students and parents to celebrate responsibly.

The Maynard High School graduation will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 4 p.m. at Alumni Field in Maynard. However, if inclement weather is in the forecast, the ceremony will be held indoors in the high school gymnasium.

“Congratulations to the class of 2016!” Chief Dubois said. “As students, family and friends prepare for their celebrations, we ask that they do so in a safe manner to ensure positive experiences all around.”

Students, please remember:

To not feel pressured to drink or do drugs. The penalty for person under 21 years old who attempts to purchase alcohol, makes arrangements to buy alcohol, or uses a fake I.D. is a suspended license for 180 days and a $300 fine.

Never drink and drive. Do not get in a car with anyone who has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs.

Respect yourself and others. Know your boundaries and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused.

Parents can help their students celebrate appropriately. Chief Dubois recommends that adults:

Know their teenagers’ plans. Find out where your student is going, who it’s with and what they’ll be doing. Make sure all parties are supervised and that you and the responsible adults share the same expectations about party behavior. Offer to drive your teenager to and from parties.

Set firm guidelines and expectations for post-ceremony celebrations. Establish a reasonable curfew and check-in periodically. Include consequences for breaking the rules in your discussion.

If you’re hosting the party, provide non-alcoholic beverages and do not tolerate drugs on your property. Keep alcohol at home in a locked cabinet. Under the Social Host Law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes.

Keep an eye out for students bringing in backpacks or large purses, which could be used to conceal alcohol. Put guests’ belongings in a room and watch out for those who may be going into their bags to retrieve alcohol or drugs that could have slipped past you at the door.

Party crashers should be turned away, as the greater the number of guests at the your residence, the harder it will be to maintain a controlled environment.

At the same time, if an invited guest arrives intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, be prepared to call the person’s parents. Alert adults to your rules before the celebration so they are aware of the consequences if their teen becomes a problem.

]]>http://maynardpolice.com/2016/05/19/maynard-police-offer-graduation-safety-tips/feed/12104Maynard Fire Department Investigating Suspicious Fires at Mill and Main Buildinghttp://maynardpolice.com/2016/04/18/maynard-fire-department-investigating-suspicious-fires-mill-main-building/
http://maynardpolice.com/2016/04/18/maynard-fire-department-investigating-suspicious-fires-mill-main-building/#commentsMon, 18 Apr 2016 20:48:31 +0000http://maynardpolice.com/?p=2065MAYNARD -- Chief Anthony Stowers reports that the Maynard Fire Department is investigating a series of fires inside building two of the Mill and Main campus.

Maynard Fire Department Investigating Suspicious Fires at Mill and Main Building

MAYNARD — Chief Anthony Stowers reports that the Maynard Fire Department is investigating a series of fires inside building two of the Mill and Main campus.

Firefighters responded to the development at 6:55 p.m. on April 17. Upon their arrival, they found evidence of eight small fires, some in stairwells and others in suites, that had occurred. It appeared the fires burnt out on their own. Because of the small size of the blazes, the building’s sprinkler system was not triggered.

A Massachusetts State Police K-9 unit was called in and determined that some type of accelerant may have been used in three areas. Damage to the building was minor.

Fire investigators from the Police and Fire departments also arrived to assess the building and remained in the area until 8:25 p.m.

Maynard Fire and Police continue to investigate the incident, along with the State Police Fire and Explosive Investigation Section.

“The fires remain under investigation, but appear to suspicious in nature at this time,” Chief Stowers said. “Thank you to the Maynard and State Police for their continued assistance as we review this matter further.”

]]>http://maynardpolice.com/2016/04/18/maynard-fire-department-investigating-suspicious-fires-mill-main-building/feed/112065Maynard Police and Fire Departments Respond to Bomb Threat at High Schoolhttp://maynardpolice.com/2016/02/23/1985/
http://maynardpolice.com/2016/02/23/1985/#commentsTue, 23 Feb 2016 15:28:28 +0000http://maynardpolice.com/?p=1985MAYNARD -- Police Chief Mark W. Dubois reports that the Maynard Police Department is investigating a bomb threat made at the high school this morning.

Maynard Police and Fire Departments Respond to Bomb Threat at High School

MAYNARD — Police Chief Mark W. Dubois reports that the Maynard Police Department is investigating a bomb threat made at the high school this morning.

Around 7 a.m., a resident called police to report there was a note on her vehicle’s windshield indicating a bomb threat at the high school, 1 Tiger Drive. The caller is not a student and does not have any connection to the Maynard schools.

Police secured the note and determined the threat to be a low risk.

The School Resource Officer and the school administration were immediately notified of the incident. Because school was not in session, only a few students were on campus and were evacuated. Arriving students were sent to the Fowler Middle School.

Police, with the assistance of the school administration and maintenance staff, searched the building and determined it was safe for students to return at approximately 8 a.m. The Fire Department also arrived on scene to aid in the investigation.

“After a thorough search of the high school, we determined there was no risk to the safety of students, staff and faculty,” Chief Dubois said. “This matter remains under investigation.”

MAYNARD — As Hurricane Joaquin is now rated a category four storm, with the chance that it may impact New England, Police Chief Mark W. Dubois and Fire Chief Anthony Stowers recommend that residents take the necessary safety precautions to prepare themselves for potentially serious weather.

We are in the middle of the annual hurricane season. The state is at risk of receiving a hurricane or tropical storm until November 30. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause a multitude of problems like power outages, fallen debris and floods that often block roads and emergency vehicles, prolonging damage.

“We could potentially see the effects of a very serious tropical storm this weekend,” Chief Dubois said. “It is important to make sure you are prepared for this type of weather to best ensure your safety.”

Maynard Police and Fire suggest that all residents follow tips outlined by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) — a state-run organization tasked with preparing the commonwealth for natural and man-made disasters — in the event of a flood watch or warning alert.

• Don’t attempt to drive through large puddles or on flooded roads, which could threaten your safety. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.

• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.

• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

“Heavy rain can make roads dangerous to travel on and navigate,” Chief Stowers said. “Be cautious of the weather this weekend and remain indoors if conditions become serious.”

MEMA also recommends purchasing a generator to maintain electricity despite an outage. Generators should always be kept outside since they emit carbon monoxide fumes that can quickly accumulate if indoors.

• Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working.

• Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.

• If you own a car, make sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power at your home.

• Ensure that you have an emergency kit that has basic medicine and bandages.

• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.

Be prepared! Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.

Maynard Police Provide Child Seat Safety Tips

MAYNARD — Police Chief Mark W. Dubois and the Maynard Police Department are working to ensure children stay safe while in the car with family or friends by reminding the community about correctly securing young passengers in car seats or boosters.

The Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law requires that all children sit in a federally approved car seat or booster, which must be properly fastened and secured, until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. It is recommended that children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat.

All infants and toddlers should be in rear-facing car seats until they reach the age of 2 years old, or the weight and height limit issued by the manufacturer. Toddlers and preschoolers should be placed in convertible and forward-facing seats equipped with a harness. Once school-aged children outgrow their forward-facing seats, they should sit in a booster until they are old enough to wear a seat belt.

“It is imperative that residents take the time to properly install a car seat or booster to ensure their children remain safe while in the car,” Chief Dubois said. “Please also remember that the safest place for your children is the back seat of a vehicle.”

According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, 75 percent of child safety seats are installed incorrectly, and motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury for all children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 638 children 12 years old and younger were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2013, and that more than 127,250 were injured.

Properly securing your child in an age and size appropriate car seat greatly lowers the risk of serious and fatal injuries. The CDC reports that:

Car seats reduce the risk of death to infants by 71 percent, and to toddlers between ages 1 to 4 by 54 percent.

Booster seats decrease the risk for serious injury by 45 percent for children 4 to 8 years old when compared with solely seat belt use.

For more information on child car seat safety or need help with installation please contact the Maynard Police Department at 978-897-1011 or to find a checkup event, visit www.mass.gov/childsafetyseats.

MAYNARD — Fire Chief Anthony Stowers and Police Chief Mark Dubois would like to invite the community to attend the departments’ first charity softball game between firefighters and police officers this month.

The friendly competition will put some of the fire and police departments’ new hires up against each other to see who can run the most bases. Winners will get bragging rights and a coveted trophy.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to build comradery, not just within our department, but between departments,” Chief Stowers said. “Plus, the proceeds are going to support a very worthy organization.”

“We are always up for a little rivalry between friends,” added Chief Dubois. “We hope the community will come out to support both departments as we play ball!”

WHAT:

Admission: $5 for those 13 and above. Children 12 and under are free

Mary’s Catering will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments.

All proceeds from the event to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley.

The Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club Jim Fairweather will serve as the emcee for the game. The organization will also provide a bounce house for children. Other activities like face painting will be available as well.

Attendees should also be on the lookout for Sparky the Fire Dog and be sure to stop by the Fire Department’s new fire engine and the Police Department’s new cruiser.

WHEN:

Saturday, September 12. The first pitch will be thrown out at at 11 a.m.